PEBBLES AND THE BIGGEST NUMBER, written by Joey Benun and beautifully illustrated by Laura Watson, is a colorful, fun, and informative book about Pebbles the butterfly’s quest to learn of the biggest number in existence. Easily read in one sitting, with just the right amount of text on each page, they story is accompanied by features such as “science spot” and “fun fact” segments. The occasional “Did You Know?” sections enhance the learning experience without being didactic. The visuals are a strong complement to the storyline and contribute to the highly engaging impact of the story.
The numbers start small, with Pebbles counting flowers in the garden – “One, two, three…” – which triggers the big question: “But what’s the BIGGEST number?” Intrigued, the inquisitive Pebbles flies off around the world to investigate, taking the butterfly on a journey to some of the planet’s major ecosystems. From deserts to rainforests to snowy mountains, Pebbles learns something about the environment and associated numbers from the local wildlife, including a tree frog and an eagle. Of course, he has the same question for every animal he encounters – “I wonder, what’s the biggest number YOU know?” And the answer to that question always relates to the animal’s environment, such as the camel who thinks the biggest number is the sun’s temperature.
One of the delights of this book is the way the numbers become systematically larger, ranging from the camel’s “27 million” up to the concept of “infinity”, which Pebbles learns about from another butterfly. Between these two number ranges, children are introduced to lesser-known numbers such as “septillion” and “nonillion”, expanding their knowledge of not only numbers but vocabulary too. This book has clear educational value – even adults can finish a reading armed with new knowledge! What is charming, though, is how such an extent of STEM knowledge (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is almost hidden in plain sight. This is because PEBBLES AND THE BIGGEST NUMBER is, first and foremost, a great story about the main character’s adventures – one that contains all the essential ingredients for massive appeal to children that earns its place in any school library or classroom and works equally well as a bedtime story.
PEBBLES AND THE BIGGEST NUMBER, written by Joey Benun and beautifully illustrated by Laura Watson, is a hugely entertaining and educational book for children.
~Amanda Ellison for IndieReader